You already know that people from São Paulo love happy hour. And that we have our own botecos of the heart, too. After all, there’s nothing better than having a beer in your favorite bar with good friends in some of the best botecos in São Paulo.
That’s why we asked the question on social media: “What’s your favorite bar in São Paulo?”
We received hundreds of responses, with each of our readers choosing their favorite bar to have that well-deserved beer. So, let’s discover the best botecos in São Paulo?
Table Of Contents
The 13 best bars in São Paulo, according to readers
13 – Valadares
Considered the most traditional bar in Lapa, it has been open since 1962. This is one of those bars we like, simple, with tables on the sidewalk and cold beer accompanied by good snacks.
Where: 463 Faustolo Street – Vila Romana
12 – Bar dos Arcos
Bar dos Arcos is a two-time winner of Veja’s Most Loved Bars in São Paulo award and is among the six Brazilian bars recognized as the best in the world in 2023. So how about trying more than a tasting menu, but an introduction to the flavors of haute cuisine? It’s in a secret bar inside another secret bar that Arcos serves its new menu, and you’ll want to try it.
Where: Ramos de Azevedo Square, s/n – República
11 – Pintxos Bar
Unlock the mixologist in you in The Barquimistyexperience and discover the secrets of the art of mixing aromas, colors and flavors to create incredible drinks.
Over the course of two hours, enjoy an exclusive menu prepared by our mixologists and treat your taste buds to an unmistakable combination of classic and innovative ingredients. In addition, take the opportunity to taste and harmonize the drinks with delicious Pintxos prepared especially for the event.
Where: Rua Inácio Pereira da Rocha, 54 – Pinheiros
10 – Legitimate
It has everything a good boteco needs, including feijoada on Saturdays and Sundays.
Where: Rua Luís Góis, 1728 – Vila Mariana
9 – Gizzards
It could be one of the capital’s traditional botecos, were it not for the fact that it opened its first unit in 2020. Bringing the essence of the São Paulo boteco to two of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods, Moela has already won hearts.
Where: Rua Cardeal Arcoverde, 2320 – Pinheiros
Rua Canuto do Val, 136 – Santa Cecília
8 – Salve Jorge
The well-known downtown bar has invaded Vila Madalena, but has kept the essence of a boteco perfect for happy hour with friends.
Where: Antônio Prado Square, 33 – Center
Rua Aspicuelta, 544 – Vila Madalena
7 – Chicken
Anyone who thinks that only good coxinha is eaten here is mistaken. Since 1987, the Zona Norte has been fortunate enough to have one of the best botecos in the city nearby, with very cold draft beer and a varied menu.
Where: Largo da Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Ó, 168 – Freguesia do Ó
6 – Bar Léo
Bar Léo has been serving the tastiest Chope Brahma in the city center for 80 years. The bar was one of the first to serve draught beer in the country and is still going strong.
Where: Aurora Street, 100 – Santa Ifigênia
5 – Veloso
No characteristic defines a boteco as well as a small space where you can always fit someone else in. There are few tables here, but plenty of space on the sidewalk to accommodate the bohemian crowd that gathers there at the end of the day.
Where: Rua Conceição Veloso, 54 – Vila Mariana
4 – Bar DuJuZé
Traditional Brahma draft beer, imported beers, caipirinhas, good snacks and much more at this great bar in Perdizes.
Where: Rua Itapicuru, 887 – Perdizes
3 – Juarez Bar
Juarez Alves’ dream of owning his own bar worked out so well that he now has five units in the capital. The first, in Moema, was opened in 1999 and is a true botequeiro heritage in the city.
Where: Check out all the units here.
2 – Pirajá
Everyone knows that São Paulo and Rio have their differences but one thing they have in common is their passion for the boteco. That’s why Pirajá has arrived to bring a bit of the Rio vibe to São Paulo.
Where: Check out all the units here.
1 – Luiz’s Bar
Since 1970, São Paulo has had one of its most traditional bars. That’s because it was in this year that Bar do Luiz Fernandes opened its doors in Santana, where it remains today. Today, with three units in the North Zone, the boteco remains faithful to its traditions with a menu that spans generations.
Where: Rua Augusto Tolle, 610 – Santana
Avenida Engenheiro Caetano Álvares, 5470 – Mandaqui
Avenida Parada Pinto, 2262 – Andorinha Hyper Center – Horto Florestal